One on One – Why Some Dogs Don’t Train Well in a Group Setting
Dog trainers basically offer two different styles of training: group training and one-on-one training. It is important for you to know your dog’s personality and learning style before signing up for training. Some dogs love the social aspect of a group setting and learn well by observing other dogs. On the other hand, there are some dogs that do not do well in social settings and would train better without the added distractions.
Most dogs, upon entering a new environment, will put their nose to the ground and sniff and explore every inch of the place to become familiarize with the new surroundings. For some dogs, this will only take a few minutes and they will settle down. These dogs will probably do well in a group training setting as their attention will no longer be on getting know the place, people and other pets. They will be calm enough to focus on the task at hand.
If your dog takes a couple of hours to acclimate to a new environment, you may want to consider one-on-one training. A dog trainer will come to your home, and conduct the lessons in your dog’s own environment. There are several benefits to this method of training, as are described below.
One-on-one training at your home will give the trainer a better understanding of the dog’s behavior. The trainer will be able to observe your dog in his own yard, in his own space so to speak. You will receive a behavioral analysis based on the trainer’s observations. You and trainer will be able to customize a training program based on your dog’s needs and personality.
This individualized training does not happen in a group setting, as the individual gets lost amongst the group as a whole. All dogs are expected to learn a certain command in a certain way within a certain time frame. Anyone who has spent time with more than one dog will quickly notice that they each have a unique personality and way of learning. The dog that loves to be around other people and dogs may get too excited and wound up in a group setting to focus on learning.
When the dog is at home in a place where he is already comfortable and secure, he will naturally learn better. The lessons will also have better relevance to the dog, as it is being learned at the place he spends most of his time. This is especially true if the behavior that needs correcting is specific to something at the home, such as constant jumping on the furniture or no regard for yard boundaries. Obviously, behavioral problems such as these cannot be corrected in a group setting that is held away from the home.
Another benefit to one-on-one training is the flexibility it affords you as the dog owner. You can schedule a time that fits your schedule to have the trainer come to your house. You do not have to worry about traveling to a different location as well as making sure you are available at a predetermined class time. For the dog owner with a hectic schedule, one-on-one training is the best answer. If you are less stressed when the training begins, your dog will respond in kind.
You may also want to consider the age of your dog. A very young dog will need more intensive training and will have a shorter attention span. One-on-one training may be the better choice for your puppy. An older dog might do okay in a group setting, however you need to take into consideration how well he tolerates other dogs and adapts to new environments. If change is hard for your older dog, then you might want to consider hiring a trainer to come to your home.
While one-on-one training may be a bit more expensive than group setting training, the benefits outweigh the extra cost. Your dog will be more focused and secure with the training, thus achieving the desired results better and more efficiently. You will be happier with the arrangement as it occurs in the privacy of your own home. A happier you and a happier dog translate into a successful training session.
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